Malapropism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฃ๏ธ
malapropism
[ หmรฆl.ษหprษp.ษช.zษm ]
language error
Malapropism is the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar. This often results in a humorous effect, as the incorrect word often has a completely different meaning from the one intended. Malapropisms can be found in both spoken and written language.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He is the pineapple of politeness.
- Texas has a lot of electrical votes.
- She's a vast suppository of information.
Translations
Translations of the word "malapropism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น malapropismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฒเคค เคเคเฅเคเคพเคฐเคฃ
๐ฉ๐ช Malapropismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ malapropisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐะปะฐะฟัะพะฟัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ malapropizm
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฉใใญใใบใ
๐ซ๐ท malapropisme
๐ช๐ธ malapropismo
๐น๐ท malapropizm
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ง๋ผํ๋กํ์ด์ฆ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุงูุงุจุฑูุจูุฒู
๐จ๐ฟ malapropismus
๐ธ๐ฐ malapropizmus
๐จ๐ณ ่ฏฏ็จ่ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ malapropizem
๐ฎ๐ธ malapropismi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐะปะฐะฟัะพะฟะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ malapropizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ malapropismo
Word origin
The term 'malapropism' originates from the character Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 play, 'The Rivals'. Mrs. Malaprop was known for her amusing misuse of words, often replacing a correct word with an incorrect one that sounded similar but had a completely different meaning. The word 'malapropism' itself derives from the French phrase 'mal ร propos', which means 'inappropriate'. Over time, malapropisms have become a notable aspect of comedy and literature, showcasing the humor that can arise from language errors. This phenomenon also highlights the complexities of language and how easily words can be confused, especially in casual conversation.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,179, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
- ...
- 41176 tightwad
- 41177 piquing
- 41178 ingeniousness
- 41179 malapropism
- 41180 betrothing
- 41181 porky
- 41182 pyromaniac
- ...